38
FLX-28
™
OPERATION
Auto Range Operation
As the name implies, Auto Range automatically selects the proper
range for you. However, it is not infallible. It is possible to confuse
the “Auto Range” operation when fishing over very soft lake bottoms
or during conditions of thick ice. The software cannot find a bottom
point in the return signal strong enough to trigger a lock. For this
reason, there is a three second delay beginning when you put the
transducer in the water before the unit attempts to lock. This gives
the software time to process the signal to best determine the true
bottom point.
When soft bottom conditions exist, you may need to turn up the
gain initially to help the program find bottom. Then turn the gain
back down when fishing. If you find the Auto setting cannot lock on
bottom, the range setting will default to the 300' range. A this point,
switch to a Manual Range option.
NOTE: There is nothing wrong with your Vexilar unit if it cannot
lock on a range automatically. This is a very unique fishing scenario.
Try switching to Normal Mode, which is full power, and then select
a manual range. Also note that the digital depth is disabled in Low
Power Mode.
Low Power Option
The Low Power Mode is designed to clean up a cluttered and busy
display when fishing in shallow water. The rule for using the Low Power
Mode setting is this: if you turn down the gain as low as it can go in
Normal Mode, and yet the signal is still too strong to get a good clean
reading, switch to the Low Power Mode. Activating the LP Mode will
greatly reduce the output power of your unit.
In LP Mode you should expect the lure, fish and weeds to disappear
when the gain is at or near zero. You will now need to turn up the gain
to fine-tune the display. You
do not
want to be in LP all the time since it
will make finding a lure or fish in deeper water nearly impossible. Only
use this mode when needed. Also, when trying to fish in deeper water
you will need to turn up the gain, but if too high, interference from
other sonar systems can make it impossible to fish.
Remember the golden rule for Gain Control: turn the gain down until
the bait appears as a weak signal. If the gain is at minimum, but the bait
is still a medium or strong signal, switch to LP Mode.
NOTE: The unit must be in a manual range setting to use the Low
Power mode. The Digital Depth reading, Auto Ranging and Auto
Zoom features
will not
work reliably while in Low Power mode.
Summary of Contents for FL-18
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